I have always been passionate about engaging in extracurricular activities and serving in leadership opportunities in whatever community I find myself. A popular saying I have held on to is: “Don’t just pass through a school; allow the school to pass through you.”

This is one of my motivations for involving myself in various leadership opportunities here at Fuqua. Right before I started the Master of Quantitative Management (MQM) program, I started exploring clubs and activities on Fuqua’s website to have a better grasp of what they entail and which of them most align with my interests.

Fast forward to when the program started, I spent the summer term focusing solely on my academics and I attended information sessions for clubs and organizations that piqued my interest. I spent the rest of my stay being actively involved in these activities. Let me walk you through my leadership experience and other activities here at Fuqua.

Treasurer

The MQM Association is a leadership board made up of 10 students who represent and promote the interests of MQM students. Close to the end of our summer term, we were provided with an information session on how to run for election. No campaigning is allowed, and the election process is based on the information you provided about yourself and how your classmates perceive you within the short time you have spent together. As Treasurer of the MQM Association, I oversee budgets and disbursement of funds for our events.

Admissions Ambassador

In addition to acting as Treasurer, I also applied to be an Admissions Ambassador for the MQM Association, which involved interviewing with one of the Admissions’ staff. After assuming this role, I would sit on student panels and relate to and with prospective and admitted students by answering questions they might have about the MQM program, Fuqua, Duke, leadership opportunities and student life. I enjoyed this position a lot because I derive satisfaction from helping people.

Judicial Representative

As a Judicial Representative, I sit on a board made up of faculty and students that upholds the Fuqua Honor Code through deliberating on hearings related to violations in the honor court.

Project Manager

The Duke Interdisciplinary Social Innovators (DISI) is an organization made up of graduate students across the Duke campus that provide pro bono consulting services to social organizations. I got this position by applying through the DISI Application link and interviewing with one of the executive board members.

As project manager, I led a team of six graduate students, and we worked together in analyzing survey data and researching the impact of COVID-19 on the local Durham community. The outcome of this project is to provide a framework for People’s Alliance, a grassroots organization, to create a strategic plan for the next three years.

Key Take-aways

• Do not be discouraged if you don’t get any of these positions. There are a lot of opportunities to get involved with extracurricular activities and they are not limited to the ones I have mentioned here. See others: Fuqua Clubs & Activities.
• Be on the lookout for information sessions to learn more about each of these positions.
• Academics should be prioritized over these activities, so make sure your choice of involvements aligns with your interests and values.
• Wherever you find yourself, make an impact, serve others, and be a change agent.